Claim profile
2000–2099

The 21st century

Whose names filled the books of the 21st century — anyone at all, however long dead — counted as mentions per million words printed, so a period that simply published more does not inflate anyone.

Talked about then

Whose names appeared most in Hebrew books during the 21st century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Reuven RivlinReuven Rivlinborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians15
  2. 2Ahad Ha'amAhad Ha'am1856–1927 · 19th century · Writers9.8
  3. 3Rav AshiRav Ashi352–427 · 4th century9.5
  4. 4HaggaiHaggaiborn 550 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures9.3
  5. 5Shimon PeresShimon Peres1923–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians7.2
  6. 6Paul the ApostlePaul the Apostle5–66 · 1st century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers6.8
  7. 7Menachem BeginMenachem Begin1913–1992 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians6.0
  8. 8Yitzhak RabinYitzhak Rabin1922–1995 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians5.9
  9. 9Moshe DayanMoshe Dayan1915–1981 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians5.7
  10. 10Shimon bar YochaiShimon bar Yochai100–160 · 2nd century5.2
  11. 11SBSimeon ben Gamliel IIborn 100 · 2nd century4.6
  12. 12Hayyim ben Joseph VitalHayyim ben Joseph Vital1542–1620 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Musicians4.5
  13. 13Hai GaonHai Gaon939–1038 · 10th century · Writers4.5
  14. 14Johanan ben ZakaiJohanan ben Zakai50 BC–70 · 1st millennium BC4.4
  15. 15Ariel SharonAriel Sharon1928–2014 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians4.3
  16. 16JosephusJosephus37–100 · 1st century · Writers4.2
  17. 17Saadia GaonSaadia Gaon882–942 · 10th century · Academics4.0
  18. 18Golda MeirGolda Meir1898–1978 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.9
  19. 19Moses SoferMoses Sofer1762–1839 · 18th century3.9
  20. 20NTNathan the Babylonianborn 101 · 2nd century3.7
  21. 21Ehud BarakEhud Barakborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.6
  22. 22Baal Shem TovBaal Shem Tov1698–1760 · 18th century3.5
  23. 23HabakkukHabakkuk626 BC–600 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures3.4
  24. 24Moshe SharettMoshe Sharett1894–1965 · 20th century · Politicians3.1
  25. 25Levi EshkolLevi Eshkol1895–1969 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.1
  26. 26Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin Netanyahuborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.1
  27. 27Nachman of BreslovNachman of Breslov1772–1810 · 19th century3.0
  28. 28Ehud OlmertEhud Olmertborn 1945 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians2.9
  29. 29Rabbeinu TamRabbeinu Tam1100–1171 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.7
  30. 30Sabbatai ZeviSabbatai Zevi1626–1676 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Religious Figures2.6
  31. 31JBJudah ben Samuel of Regensburg1150–1217 · 12th century · Academics2.4
  32. 32Yitzhak ShamirYitzhak Shamir1915–2012 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians2.1
  33. 33Amos OzAmos Oz1939–2018 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers2.1
  34. 34SBSimeon ben Zomadied 200 · 2nd century2.0
  35. 35Hillel the ElderHillel the Elder50 BC–100 · 1st millennium BC1.5
  36. 36Gilad ShalitGilad Shalitborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers1.5
  37. 37Chaim WeizmannChaim Weizmann1874–1952 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians1.5
  38. 38YYanaiborn 600 · 7th century · Writers1.5
  39. 39Tzipi LivniTzipi Livniborn 1958 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians1.5
  40. 40Isaac HerzogIsaac Herzogborn 1960 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians1.4
  41. 41Amram GaonAmram Gaon810–875 · 9th century1.3
  42. 42SISamuel ibn Naghrillah993–1055 · 11th century · Writers1.2
  43. 43Isaac AbrabanelIsaac Abrabanel1437–1508 · 15th century · Academics1.0
  44. 44Mendele Mocher SforimMendele Mocher Sforim1835–1917 · 19th century · Writers1.0
  45. 45Isaac the BlindIsaac the Blind1160–1235 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.00
  46. 46Shneur Zalman of LiadiShneur Zalman of Liadi1745–1812 · 18th century · Academics0.83
  47. 47Herod ArchelausHerod Archelaus23 BC–18 · 1st century · Models0.82
  48. 48Jacob EmdenJacob Emden1697–1776 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.80
  49. 49Chaim HerzogChaim Herzog1918–1997 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.80
  50. 50Moses ben Jacob CordoveroMoses ben Jacob Cordovero1522–1570 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Actors0.79
  51. 51HBHanina ben Dosa40–75 · 1st century0.74
  52. 52Baruch SpinozaBaruch Spinoza1632–1677 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0.69
  53. 53Judas MaccabeusJudas Maccabeus500 BC–160 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures0.66
  54. 54Nathan of GazaNathan of Gaza1644–1680 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.62
  55. 55Jonathan EybeschutzJonathan Eybeschutz1690–1764 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.58
  56. 56Chaim ibn AttarChaim ibn Attar1696–1743 · 18th century0.58
  57. 57Chaim Joseph David AzulaiChaim Joseph David Azulai1724–1806 · 18th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures0.54
  58. 58Joseph AlboJoseph Albo1380–1444 · 15th century · Academics0.53
  59. 59IBIsrael ben Moses Najara1555–1628 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.53
  60. 60Hasdai CrescasHasdai Crescas1340–1410 · 14th century · Academics0.53
  61. 61Gaon of VilniusGaon of Vilnius1720–1797 · 18th century0.49
  62. 62Shalom ShabaziShalom Shabazi1619–1719 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.48
  63. 63EBEleazar ben Arach100–200 · 2nd century0.46
  64. 64Benjamin of TudelaBenjamin of Tudela1130–1174 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.42
  65. 65Shlomo Halevi AlkabetzShlomo Halevi Alkabetz1505–1576 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.42
  66. 66EBEliezer ben Hurcanus100–200 · 2nd century0.40
  67. 67Solomon MolchoSolomon Molcho1500–1532 · 16th century · Academics0.39
  68. 68Yonah GerondiYonah Gerondi1210–1263 · 13th century · Academics0.37
  69. 69ZHZerachiah haLevi of Girona1130–1186 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.37
  70. 70Moshe AlshichMoshe Alshich1508–1593 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey0.37
  71. 71JKJoseph Kimhi1105–1170 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.37
  72. 72Menaḥem ben Shelomoh MeʾiriMenaḥem ben Shelomoh Meʾiri1249–1306 · 13th century · 🇫🇷 France · Musicians0.36
  73. 73Yehuda AlhariziYehuda Alharizi1165–1225 · 13th century · Writers0.36
  74. 74OBObadiah ben Jacob Sforno1470–1549 · 16th century · Doctors0.35
  75. 75BBBahya ben Asher1255–1340 · 13th century · Writers0.35
  76. 76MYMordecai Yoffe1530–1612 · 16th century0.34
  77. 77NBNissim ben Jacob990–1062 · 11th century · Writers0.33
  78. 78IBIsaac ben Moses Arama1420–1494 · 15th century0.29
  79. 79Immanuel the RomanImmanuel the Roman1260–1328 · 13th century · Writers0.27
  80. 80Menasseh Ben IsraelMenasseh Ben Israel1604–1657 · 17th century · Academics0.25
  81. 81Dunash ben LabratDunash ben Labrat920–990 · 10th century · Writers0.23
  82. 82Azariah dei RossiAzariah dei Rossi1513–1578 · 16th century · Writers0.23
  83. 83JIJonah ibn Janah990–1050 · 11th century · Academics0.23
  84. 84Ishtori HaparchiIshtori Haparchi1280–1337 · 14th century · Scientists0.20
  85. 85David GrossmanDavid Grossmanborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers0.20
  86. 86Mahmoud DarwishMahmoud Darwish1941–2008 · 20th century · Writers0.20
  87. 87Yair LapidYair Lapidborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.18
  88. 88Abraham bar HiyyaAbraham bar Hiyya1070–1136 · 12th century · Academics0.17
  89. 89Eleazar ben KillirEleazar ben Killir600–700 · 7th century · Writers0.17
  90. 90JBJedaiah ben Abraham Bedersi1270–1340 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.17
  91. 91PDProfiat Duran1350–1415 · 14th century · Musicians0.17
  92. 92RRashbam1080–1158 · 12th century0.17
  93. 93Ilan RamonIlan Ramon1954–2003 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel0.16
  94. 94Shmuel Yosef AgnonShmuel Yosef Agnon1887–1970 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers0.15
  95. 95Elia del MedigoElia del Medigo1458–1497 · 15th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics0.12
  96. 96IIIsaac ibn Ezra1114–1158 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.12
  97. 97Shabbethai DonnoloShabbethai Donnoloborn 913 · 10th century · Scientists0.12
  98. 98Moses ben JoshuaMoses ben Joshua1300–1362 · 14th century · Academics0.11
  99. 99JCJoseph Caspi1280–1345 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.11
  100. 100Etgar KeretEtgar Keretborn 1967 · 21st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers0.11

Most read

Who people actually looked up in the 21st century, across the Wikipedia editions we measure (2015–2026 only — readership is measured from July 2015).

  1. 1Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians73M
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers67.9M
  3. 3Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers64.3M
  4. 4Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures50.9M
  5. 5Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians47.1M
  6. 6Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians41.8M
  7. 7Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians39M
  8. 8Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers38.4M
  9. 9Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders37.1M
  10. 10Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians34.7M
  11. 11Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians34.7M
  12. 12Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists34M
  13. 13Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians32M
  14. 14Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians30.5M
  15. 15ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians30.5M
  16. 16Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · 21st century · Politicians30.4M
  17. 17Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians29.7M
  18. 18NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures29M
  19. 19Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures28.1M
  20. 20Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers27.1M
  21. 21Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians26.9M
  22. 22Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors26.1M
  23. 23Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured25.5M
  24. 24CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures25.1M
  25. 25Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians24.5M
  26. 26Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · 21st century · Politicians23.7M
  27. 27Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians23.5M
  28. 28Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists23.3M
  29. 29Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players23.2M
  30. 30Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22.2M
  31. 31Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom22M
  32. 32Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians21.5M
  33. 33Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes21.4M
  34. 34Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso1881–1973 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists21.3M
  35. 35Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians20.9M
  36. 36Yevgeny PrigozhinYevgeny Prigozhin1961–2023 · 20th century · Foundersnot measured20.6M
  37. 37NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers20.6M
  38. 38Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians20.4M
  39. 39Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers20.4M
  40. 40Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20.3M
  41. 41Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors20.2M
  42. 42Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures20M
  43. 43Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures20M
  44. 44Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors19.8M
  45. 45Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors19.7M
  46. 46Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors19.6M
  47. 47Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers19.5M
  48. 48Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona1960–2020 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers19M
  49. 49Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures19M
  50. 50Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.9M
  51. 51Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players18.8M
  52. 52Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.6M
  53. 53Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians18.5M
  54. 54Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians18.4M
  55. 55Terence HillTerence Hillborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors18.4M
  56. 56Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors18.4M
  57. 57Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756–1791 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians18.4M
  58. 58Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians18.2M
  59. 59José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians18.1M
  60. 60Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players18M
  61. 61Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers17.9M
  62. 62Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured17.9M
  63. 63EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.9M
  64. 64Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers17.8M
  65. 65Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians17.8M
  66. 66Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers17.8M
  67. 67Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17.8M
  68. 68Romy SchneiderRomy Schneider1938–1982 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors17.6M
  69. 69Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors17.5M
  70. 70Viktor TsoiViktor Tsoi1962–1990 · 20th century · Musicians17.4M
  71. 71Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.4M
  72. 72Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors17.3M
  73. 73RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers17.3M
  74. 74Annalena BaerbockAnnalena Baerbockborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians17.2M
  75. 75Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians17.1M
  76. 76Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals17.1M
  77. 77Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians17M
  78. 78Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.9M
  79. 79Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16.9M
  80. 80Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedovborn 1988 · 21st century · Actorsnot measured16.9M
  81. 81Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers16.9M
  82. 82Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists16.7M
  83. 83Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models16.5M
  84. 84Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians16.4M
  85. 85Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists16.2M
  86. 86Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16.2M
  87. 87Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors16.1M
  88. 88Alain DelonAlain Delon1935–2024 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors16.1M
  89. 89Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.1M
  90. 90Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures16M
  91. 91Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15.9M
  92. 92Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers15.8M
  93. 93Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians15.8M
  94. 94Nicolás MaduroNicolás Maduroborn 1962 · 20th century · Politicians15.7M
  95. 95Ana de ArmasAna de Armasborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors15.6M
  96. 96Ramzan KadyrovRamzan Kadyrovborn 1976 · 21st century · Politicians15.6M
  97. 97Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  98. 98Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  99. 99Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians15.4M

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 21st century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇪🇸 Spain🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇨🇦 Canada🇧🇷 Brazil🇮🇹 Italy🇦🇷 Argentina🇦🇺 Australia
FieldAllActorsFootballersMusiciansPoliticiansAthletesTennis PlayersModelsDirectorsBasketball PlayersWriters
  1. 1Luisa NeubauerLuisa Neubauerborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  2. 2Juli ZehJuli Zehborn 1974 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  3. 3Emilie SchindlerEmilie Schindler2001–2001 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  4. 4Daniel KehlmannDaniel Kehlmannborn 1975 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers2 decades
  5. 5Sebastian FitzekSebastian Fitzekborn 1971 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  6. 6Saša StanišićSaša Stanišićborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  7. 7Alexander Graf LambsdorffAlexander Graf Lambsdorffborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  8. 8Nele NeuhausNele Neuhausborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  9. 9Marie BäumerMarie Bäumerborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  10. 10Judith HermannJudith Hermannborn 1970 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  11. 11Wladimir KaminerWladimir Kaminerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  12. 12Judith SchalanskyJudith Schalanskyborn 1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  13. 13Pascal HensPascal Hensborn 1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  14. 14WestBamWestBamborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  15. 15Leonie SwannLeonie Swannborn 1975 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  16. 16Dieter BaumannDieter Baumannborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  17. 17Uwe TellkampUwe Tellkampborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  18. 18Benedict WellsBenedict Wellsborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  19. 19Hamed Abdel-SamadHamed Abdel-Samadborn 1972 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  20. 20Kerstin GierKerstin Gierborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  21. 21Navid KermaniNavid Kermaniborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  22. 22Wolfgang HerrndorfWolfgang Herrndorf1965–2013 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  23. 23Daniel Domscheit-BergDaniel Domscheit-Bergborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  24. 24Julia FranckJulia Franckborn 1970 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  25. 25Timur VermesTimur Vermesborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  26. 26Katrin HimmlerKatrin Himmlerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  27. 27David SafierDavid Safierborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  28. 28Giulia EndersGiulia Endersborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  29. 29Andrea HaugenAndrea Haugen1969–2021 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  30. 30Jantje FrieseJantje Frieseborn 1977 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  31. 31Andrea WulfAndrea Wulfborn 1972 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  32. 32Bettina WulffBettina Wulffborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  33. 33Ilija TrojanowIlija Trojanowborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  34. 34Alexander HuberAlexander Huberborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  35. 35Anna BrüggemannAnna Brüggemannborn 1981 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  36. 36Marina WeisbandMarina Weisbandborn 1987 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  37. 37Andreas UmlandAndreas Umlandborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  38. 38CLChristoph Luxenbergborn 2000 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  39. 39JUJan Udo Holeyborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  40. 40Marco KreuzpaintnerMarco Kreuzpaintnerborn 1977 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  41. 41MVMarius von Mayenburgborn 1972 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  42. 42Marcel BeyerMarcel Beyerborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  43. 43Kristof MagnussonKristof Magnussonborn 1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  44. 44Clemens MeyerClemens Meyerborn 1977 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  45. 45Zsuzsa BánkZsuzsa Bánkborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  46. 46Markus HeitzMarkus Heitzborn 1971 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  47. 47Helene HegemannHelene Hegemannborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  48. 48Siba ShakibSiba Shakibborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  49. 49Sven BeckertSven Beckertborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  50. 50Olga GrjasnowaOlga Grjasnowaborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  51. 51Robert GerwarthRobert Gerwarthborn 1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  52. 52Achim von BorriesAchim von Borriesborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  53. 53Jan WagnerJan Wagnerborn 1971 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  54. 54Peter SchlickenriederPeter Schlickenriederborn 1970 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  55. 55Alina BronskyAlina Bronskyborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  56. 56Abbas KhiderAbbas Khiderborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  57. 57Jan-Werner MüllerJan-Werner Müllerborn 1970 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  58. 58SKSabine Kueglerborn 1972 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  59. 59Bernhard HennenBernhard Hennenborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  60. 60Ariadne von SchirachAriadne von Schirachborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  61. 61Marica BodrožićMarica Bodrožićborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  62. 62Oliver GrauOliver Grauborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  63. 63Marie Sophie HingstMarie Sophie Hingst1987–2019 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  64. 64Antje Rávic StrubelAntje Rávic Strubelborn 1974 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  65. 65Reyhan ŞahinReyhan Şahinborn 1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  66. 66Kai MeyerKai Meyerborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  67. 67Sönke NeitzelSönke Neitzelborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  68. 68Marianna SalzmannMarianna Salzmannborn 1985 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  69. 69Jörg Guido HülsmannJörg Guido Hülsmannborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  70. 70Magdalena ParysMagdalena Parysborn 1971 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  71. 71Isabel AbediIsabel Abediborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  72. 72Shida BazyarShida Bazyarborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  73. 73Falk RichterFalk Richterborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  74. 74Thees UhlmannThees Uhlmannborn 1974 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  75. 75ZRZana Ramadaniborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  76. 76Katharina HackerKatharina Hackerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  77. 77Marion PoschmannMarion Poschmannborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  78. 78Margarete StokowskiMargarete Stokowskiborn 1986 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  79. 79Ilko-Sascha KowalczukIlko-Sascha Kowalczukborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  80. 80Annette HessAnnette Hessborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  81. 81Inger-Maria MahlkeInger-Maria Mahlkeborn 1977 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  82. 82Nora BossongNora Bossongborn 1982 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  83. 83Jan Costin WagnerJan Costin Wagnerborn 1972 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  84. 84NWNikolaus Wachsmannborn 1971 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  85. 85Dietmar DathDietmar Dathborn 1970 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  86. 86Grigorije (Durić)Grigorije (Durić)born 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  87. 87Benjamin LebertBenjamin Lebertborn 1982 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  88. 88WDWulf Dornborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  89. 89JSJens Söringborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  90. 90Sebastian SeidlSebastian Seidlborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  91. 91Ulrike SchweikertUlrike Schweikertborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  92. 92Thomas GirstThomas Girstborn 1971 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  93. 93Ursula ReutnerUrsula Reutnerborn 1975 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  94. 94Jörg BongJörg Bongborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  95. 95Laura KarasekLaura Karasekborn 1982 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  96. 96Annette LangenAnnette Langenborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  97. 97Princess Maria Theresia of Thurn and TaxisPrincess Maria Theresia of Thurn and Taxisborn 1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  98. 98Jan WeilerJan Weilerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  99. 99Martin SchäubleMartin Schäubleborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—
  100. 100Nesrin ŞamdereliNesrin Şamdereliborn 1979 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writersnot measured—

How this is measured

  • Placing people in time. Each person belongs to the century in which they were most active — around age 35, and never after their death.
  • Who ranks highest. Within a century, people are ranked where two independent signals agree: how many of the world’s Wikipedia language editions cover them, and how many people actually read about them. Article counts alone can be lifted by a person’s own circle; readers cannot.
  • Fame in print. The curves count how often a name appears in Google Books from 1800 to 2019, as a share of all the words printed each year, in the person’s own language wherever that corpus exists. Those decades are over, so each measurement is made once and kept.
  • What is left out. A lifetime is measured only from 1820, when there is enough print to judge; the five years after a death are skipped as obituaries; and a name shared with someone equally notable is credited to neither.